How do I keep kids away from the front of my house at night?

Question

A lot of the punks in my area seem to flock to the front of my house at night . They are loud and annoying. I've confronted them and there parents and they could care less. I've debated an air horn or paint ball gun. What do you recommend??

Answer 1

I recommend a real gun, but don't shoot em.

Shoot up in the air to scare em

Answer 2

Wow, that's a tough one. Kids can be extremely difficult to manage and I feel for you. But DON'T bother with the Air Horn (you'll only annoy your other neighbors) and the paintball gun could get you arrested for assault and battery.

You've talked to their parents and that's don't no good? That disappointing, I'm amazed by some parents...but here's what I'd do:

- Speak with your other neighbors. See if they feel similarly. If so perhaps you could present a united front to the these kid's parents.

- How old are they? What's the curfew where you live?

For example, the curfew law in my city: 9.68.020 Curfew-Prohibited conduct. A minor commits a misdemeanor if he/she remains, walks, runs, stands, drives or rides about, in or upon any public place or on the premises of any establishment within the city between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. of the following day, Pacific Standard Time.

Exceptions : The provisions of this chapter do not apply when the minor is

on the sidewalk abutting the minor's residence or abutting the residence of a next-door neighbor IF THE NEIGHBOR DID NOT COMPLAIN to the Police Department or County Sheriff's Office about the minor's presence.

A parent or guardian who knowingly permits a minor over whom he or she has control to violate this ordinance, shall be subject to the provisions of Section 272 of the California Penal Code and may be charged with violating the Penal Code provision

Finally, if this doesn't resolve the matter, you have other choices:

1) You could call the police and report prowlers, they'll send a car. Be careful about doing this however, it could be construed as making a false report.

2) Consider filing a suit in small claims court, but that's a tricky, costly and time consuming effort, but might pay off in the long run.

3) Set up high intensity security "motion" lights camera's to record the children's actions. This alone could be beneficial to show to the media if nothing gets done to resolve the issue. This may be a good idea anway because you might experience some backlash (vandalism) and this would serve as evidence.

Good luck

Answer 3

get the "Mosquito" it's a high pitched noise that only teenagers can hear and it drives them bonkers. OR you could play Barry Manilow songs really really loud. If THAT doesn't work, I'd get some skunks for the punks!

A 12g O/U works pretty good too.

Of course youcould always start wearing all black and a long flowing robe, and make like you're digging graves in the front lawn. Get some bones from your butcher and lay 'em out.....act all weird. heheheheh

Answer 4

Just call the cops. If you sho tthem with a paint ball gun, you'd be asking for trouble.

YOu could also take bags of rotting fish & dog droppings and put them near the fornt yard for a night or two. That would do the trick.

Answer 5

No trespassing signs would be a start. Do you have a neighborhood watch program? If not, see about starting one.

Also, notify the police. Keep a log of dates, times, and who, if you know them. Also, log the details of your conversations with their parents.

Check with a lawyer to determine if you would be liable should one of them get injured on your property, and see what steps you should take to avoid this. A legal notice to the parents wouldn't hurt either.

Do not confront them on your own, and do not make threats of any kind, as it could very well backfire.

Answer 6

The most immediate solution would be to put a fence and keep your gate locked at night. You can also install security lights with motion sensors as most troublemakers are repelled by light.

More effective, however, would be getting in touch with the Community Outreach(or whatever name they go by in your town)officer at your local police station. Learn what you can do to get your neighbors, even if only the ones without kids, to start a Crime Watch zone in your neighborhood.

Report suspicious activity. Request more frequent police patrols through neighborhood. Write to a letter to the editor of your local newspaper complaining about the situation and ask that the community get more involved in providing youth with positive activities to fill their time and to get more involved in cleaning up the neighborhood of antisocial elements.

You can turn this situation around, but first you may need more information as to what to do. Talk to your local police about programs that they have to educate yourself and your neighbors about what can be done to reduce crime in your neighborhood.

Answer 7

do what the local 7 11 does set up speakers outside and play Cd's of classical music . you can even keep the sound level low
that is to say loud enough to be heard but not loud enough to annoy your sleeping neighbors. (loud as a voice in normal conversation) you might want to put a surveillance camera from your window pointed at the speakers to catch vandals.

Answer 8

Mount some speakers in a front window and play country music or Barry Manilow loudly. Once they're gone, turn the music down so you won't be accused of disturbing the peace yourself!

Answer 9

Get a big Pit Bull to chill outside!! or Call the cops. Or play Christian music very loud. Go outside and start preaching about god. Tell them you are happy they are there now you can all study the bible together!!. or you can Press charges.

Answer 10

Haha, a paint ball gun would be funny, but they'll get back at you for that. Get one of those things that emits a high frequency sound that only teens can hear. It'll drive them nuts!

Answer 11

Use your video camera first, and get on tape what they are doing. Then contact the police, and provide the evidence that domestic tranquility is a constituional right!

You could also get a very mean dog on a leash, and walk him/her with you when you confront them...see how big their mouth is...

I would do BOTH!